High-level waste, current

Chitnis, R.R., Wattal, P.K., Ramanujam, A. et al. 1999. Recovery of actinides extracted by TRUEX solvent from high-level waste using complexing agents II. Counter-current studies. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 240 (3) 727-730. 

As part of this study, proposed radioactive waste classification systems that differ from the existing classification system in the United States were reviewed and evaluated. Of particular interest is the classification system currently recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This classification system and the disposal options for each waste class are summarized in Table 1.2. The basic waste classification system consists of exempt waste, low-and intermediate-level waste, and high-level waste. 

NRC s current regulatory definition of high-level waste is contained in 10 CFR Part 60 (NRC, 1983). Specifically ... 

EPA s current definition of high-level waste was first developed in 1985 (EPA, 1985) and is contained in 40 CFR Part 191 (EPA, 1993a). This definition defers to NWPA, and spent fuel is defined separately from high-level waste as in the Act. Thus, EPA has adopted the traditional, source-based definition of high-level waste. 

Requirements for Disposal. The National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act (NSMA, 1980) established the current DOE program for disposal of defense transuranic waste at the WIPP facility in New Mexico. The Act specifically authorized test emplacements of waste for purposes of research and development. WIPPLWA (1992) then authorized permanent disposal of defense transuranic waste at this facility. The Act specifies that the WIPP facility may not be used for disposal of high-level waste, commercial transuranic waste, or any DOE non-defense transuranic... 

AEA, and given the current statutory definition of low-level waste by exclusion and the applicability of this definition only to wastes regulated under AEA, it is not evident how NRC could develop a new definition of low-level waste that would be different from the current exclusionary definition unless NRC first developed a new definition of high-level waste in accordance with Clause (B) of NWPA (see Section 4.1.2.3.1). 

Requirements for Disposal and Their Relationship to Waste Classification. Under current laws and regulations, spent fuel, high-level waste, transuranic waste, and low-level waste generally do not require particular disposal systems. However, only certain types of disposal systems are authorized for some types of waste (see Table 4.1). In particular (1) spent fuel, high-level waste, transuranic waste, and greater-than-Class-C low-level waste normally are intended for disposal in a geologic repository, such as the proposed Yucca Mountain facility and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and... 

This paper mentions the various modes now being considered for long-term storage of salt cake and encapsulated fission products. Processes to increase immobilization of the stored high-level waste are currently being developed status of the development work on these processes is also reviewed. 

More than 6 billion has been spent on high-level waste disposal. Spent fuel remains deadly for at least tens of thousands of years. In order to keep it isolated from the environment, nuclear waste is to be buried deep underground. Nevada s Yucca Mountain, is currently under consideration. Many in the nuclear industry believe that the Clinton administration blocked action on this site to gain support in this area. 

Immobilization is also a current research activity. The proposal is to immobilize the resulting high level waste, or the remaining compound, using glass matrices based on niobium phosphate glasses, which can be melted in microwaves or in electrical furnaces. Three different samples of niobium phosphate glasses have been produced and sent for vapour... 

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